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Events     

In the spirit of Ohana and giving back to the community, we periodically hold special events that are open to everyone.  For more information on any of the events listed here and others please email info@ikunakoa.com



Announcing our Na `Ōpio (youth) Paddler & Cultural Education Program

Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club is proud to announce the addition of our Na `Ōpio (youth) program for paddlers between the ages of 10-17 years old.  This program is open to the public.  If you have keiki’s (children) that are interested in learning about the Hawaiian Culture and the lore surrounding Outrigger Canoe Paddling, then this program is a must.  Although the Na `Ōpio will have the exciting opportunity to participate in several Southern California Outrigger Canoe Association races, this will only be a part of what this program has to offer.  The keiki’s will be participating in a cultural immersion program where children will learn a great deal about the Hawaiian culture.  To learn more about this unique program please visit our Na `Ōpio Padder page.  Space is limited so contact us Today!

Outrigger Canoe Races - See Race page for entire race season schedule

Ikuna Koa is very excited about the 2008 racing season.  Clubs from all over Southern California and Arizona participate and compete against one another in this exciting aquatic sport.  Come join us at a racing event and see for yourself why outrigger canoe racing is one of the fasting growing aquatic sports in the world today.
 

2008 Race Schedule: 

Upcoming races:

The 2008 racing season is upon us. The first SCORA race of the season will be the Crystal Pier Ironman located in San Diego's Mission Bay.  Our novice team has moved up to the open division and the competition will be fierce.
Last year our club concluded the season with an outstanding performance from our novice team.  This racing season took our crews as far north as Avila Beach for the Pineapple Express race in San Luis Obispo County and as far south west as Kona Hawaii for the 36th annual Queen Lili`uokalani Outrigger Canoe Race.  At every race our ohana showed their tremendous spirit for the culture and sport of Outrigger Canoe Racing. 



Our hui makes history with first offical Na `Ōpio hoe!

On Sunday March 9, 2008 Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club started its first ever Na `Ōpio paddler program.  Opening day was fantastic!!! We had three full canoes going out for approximately a 4 mile hoe. My hats of to our Na `Ōpio paddlers. They are quickly mastering the skills of the basic
paddle stroke and most of the Hawaiian commands I use in the wa`a. including the commands for gunnels, set, hit, paddles up, hold water, back paddle, pull right, pull left, timing, etc. Their
strength in the wa`a today was impressive.  I felt the mana of our na wa`a awaken to the Hawaiian commands of our Na`Ōpio paddlers as we sailed across ke kai with little effort.  It was magic.  The keiki’s were all smiles and one with the wa`a.  Harmony was indeed the spirit of the moment.

We started our practice with a Hawaiian pule (prayer) that all of the Na`Ōpio will soon be able to recite on their own. We went over some important cultural topics such as mana, parts of the wa`a, seat seven, parts of the Hawaiian, hoe, how to hold their hoe, significance of the ti leaf in the Hawaiian culture, and wa`a protocol.  I also explained to them importance of "inoa" (names) in the Hawaiian culture. I gave the keiki's a couple of handouts so they can memorize on their own all of the parts of the Hawaiian wa`a and hoe. I explained to our keiki's that the ti leaf lei I wore today and the ti leafs and leis I put on our wa`a are to honor Kimokeo Kapahulehua (Uncle Bully) the head spiritual kahuna on Maui and my cultural mentor. Without his guidance, teachings, and gift of a complete set of keiki paddles including the steering blade, my dream of one day building a Na`Ōpio program would have never been realized.

Next week I will have our keiki's working on a mele oli (a chant without an instrument) I would like them to learn. I am also going to demonstrate and explain a ceremony we will do each time before a significant event such as a race or long paddle to ask permission of and honor the āina and ke kai (the land and the sea) to allow us safe passage and bring us safely home while traversing them both in harmony.

I am excited to share the Hawaiian culture with our Na`Ōpio. They are the future of hoe wa`a (canoe paddling) and it is important that they take this knowledge with them to share with others when the rest of us have all returned to the āina.

Anyway, I would like to say mahalo nui loa for all the kōkua I got from members of my hui on opening day.

To my Na`Ōpio paddlers I say – Hana hou! (Encore!)

To all who help perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and spirit of Aloha in their own way, I say to you -

Malama pono e me ke Akua!

-Coach Gus, ya!


The Ninth Island - Lake Las Vegas Regatta!

Many Hawaiian's call Las Vegas, Nevada the "Ninth Island" and if you attended this event it would be abundantly evident why.  A mixed plate of kane from our club participated in the open division of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club's Lake Las Vegas Regatta on October 20th & 21, 2007.  Considering the short amount of time we had to practice together and the competition we faced, I am very proud of our team's effort in this regatta.  As one of the participants I can tell you I am really looking forward to participating again next year.  The festivities started with a Friday night luau and was followed by two days of sprint races and all day long entertainment.  Saturday's opening ceremony naturally included the blowing of the pu, an opening pule, and chant by Uncle Luki of the Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club.  This is one of the best chant performances I have ever heard either on the islands or the mainland.  I am here to tell you this Uncle has talent and den some!   Las Vegas is so fortunate to have a Uncle like Uncle Lucki.   The non stop entertainment included many different halau's, and a mixture of Tahitian and other Polynesian dance troops.  There were also various Hawaiian music groups, and chanters, the talent and the outstanding performances never let up.  There was also a performance by local Native American dancers, and a Chinese Dance Troop and an  excellent martial arts demonstration.  Vendor's where everywhere with Island apparel with the contagious aloha spirit radiating in the air.

Many of the local SCORA clubs participated such as Imua, Newport Outrigger, Marina Del Rey, Kai Ellua, Arizona Dry Heat, Lake Havasu City, and Hawaiian nuff said, just to name a few.  There were also several clubs from Hawaii such as Big Island Canoe Club, Kamehameha, Waikiki Yacht Club, and others.  The wahine from the Waikiki Yacht Club numbered into the dozens and their aloha and orange race jersey's were everywhere.

The canoes were provided by SCORA's NAC. 
Please checkout our Pictures page to see more pictures of this fantastic event!

One of our Ohana gets Married!

We were all recently honored to provide our Sistah Stephanie "Aloha - Girl" a homegrown Hawaiian Style wedding at De Anza Cove on beautiful Mission Bay.  The wedding was complete with the Pu (conch) being blown to start the ceremony, some Hula dancing by our keiki dancers, and a  couple of Hawaiian chants to wish them the best.  A double hull canoe was fabricated for this event and the bride and groom where paddled back to the Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club where we all enjoyed the reception.  The reception was a fun filled luau with traditional Hawaiian Music, hula dancing, Hawaiian Food, and later a live band.  Please visit our picture page to see some pic's from this beautiful event.




The Second annual Fundraiser Feast with Polynesian Entertainment was a hit!

Our second annual Spaghetti Feast with Polynesian entertainment was another magnificent success.  On April 28th, 2007 The Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club was transformed into a tropical paradise.  The club house was decorated with Tiki torches lined against the walls. Palm leaves, Bird of Paradise leaves, and tea leafs where everywhere you looked.  Island tunes played in the background to complement the décor-if you didn’t know better - you thought for certain you were in old Hawaii. 

Approximately 200 guests arrived in Aloha attire to participate in the festivities.  The smell of spaghetti noodles and home made sauces, and garlic bread filled the air.  Some of the Spaghetti sauces were so rich you almost needed a steering blade to stir them.

Some of the pre dinner activities included some history on our Hawaiian Outrigger Canoes and the canoe culture surrounding the sport.  Some of the guest also participated in land based paddling lessons.

The dinner line proved to be well worth the wait.  The various home made sauces for the spaghetti noodles were outstanding and people returning for second servings was a testament to this fact.  The garlic bread and salad were also very popular items.  Of course there was an abundance of deserts including apple pie, brownies, Ki-lime Pie, and so much more.

What followed next is unforgettable. The first of two videos showed the team at various races and events from last year.  The smiles were ear-to-ear as it became even more obvious to our audience that this club is very close and made it clear why we consider each other ohana.  The second video was one produced by our governing body which is the Southern California Outrigger Racing Association.  This video showed many of the different teams on race day.  The teams shown ranged from San Diego to Santa Barbara and out of states member clubs including, Arizona and Nevada.

The entertainment provided by our own club members included solo and group Kane (Men) and Wahine (Women) hula dances.  The swaying and hand motions of the hula dances were hypnotizing.  The costumes designed and fabricated by our club members were beautiful and strikingly authentic and the level of talent was second to none.  We also had some of the audience participate in some of the dances.  They were having the time of their lives as the crowd applauded their performance.

Then the conch shell was blown to summon the gods and the men followed with several Maori war dances known as a peruperu a.k.a Ha-ka.   With their faces and bodies tattooed like Maori warriors they captured the audience’s attention and imagination while they took them back to old New Zealand.

Between stage performances a raffle was held and many fine gifts were awarded to those lucky people who purchased raffle tickets. Some of the gifts included an IPod, Wine Glasses, and a beautiful authentic handmade “Ipu” (gourd drum) which was the grand prize.

The afternoon entertainment concluded with three of our club members performing a Ukulele Jam on their instruments.  The mele’s (Songs) were soothing to the soul and a great way to end the festivities.

All of the planning, decorating, and chorography, came together and ticked like a fine Swiss watch.  The spaghetti feast was a wonderful success due to the terrific efforts of our team members, who pitched in with their creative and energetic juices to make this a first rate event and one that all will remember for a long time to come. 

Please visit our Pictures page for more photos of this fantastic event.

Mahalo to all, aloha and a hui ho.

The blessing of our new Wa'a (Canoe) - Sunday November 12, 2006:

The blessing of our new wa'a "Mahoa", was a traditional and culturally spiritual event!  The blessing ceremony was performed by Kahuna "Uncle Koko" and included ancient Hawaiian chants and prayers.  The blessing ceremony was followed by a traditional Hawaiian Luau with Hula dancing performed by Kumu "Aunti Barbara's" Halau O' Pualani. The witnesses included our team members and special guests from other clubs and their ohana. We are all proud to have Mahoa as the newest member of our Ohana.
Everyone worked very hard to make this event very special.  We hope you enjoy the pictures of our ceremony and celebration.  This was truly a magical moment for all of us.  Ikuna Koa Outrigger Canoe Club would like to extend a giant mahalo to Uncle Koko for blessing our new canoe.  We would also like to say mahalo to kumu Aunti Barbara and all of the Wahine and Kane from Halau O' Pualani for their excellent hula and Tahitian dance performance.  Our "Pictures" page describes this event better than words ever could. Mahalo to all of those who attended and those that wanted to but were not able to.



End of Season Party - October 20, 2006


The end of Season party was a great success.  Most of the team attended including some of the malihini's to the team in the last few weeks.  Everyone was talking story and the grinds were da'Kine. The SCORA CD depicting the sport of Outrigger Canoe history and how it made its way to California was well produced and a great movie to watch.  The 2006 Montage produced by Jaymee Carvajal was also outstanding and memorable.  The jam session by or talented team mates really added to the evenings festive atmosphere.  The three awards that were announced last night and well deserved went to following team members in the following categories.



Most Dedicated Member:
  Marc "Hapa" Hammer

Most Aloha Spirit:
             Stephanie "Aloha" Grubbe

Most Improved Paddler
:   Jason "You Da Man" Hoisington

We would like to give a giant mahalo to all of those who contributed to planning and producing this event.  We are proud to have Bruddah's and Sistah's like you in our Ohana.  Aloha nui loa!

Kona Hawaii- Queen Lili' Race 2006

The Queen Lili'uokalani Long-Distance Outrigger Canoe Race
is the worlds largest outrigger canoe race. This year marked the 35th anniversary of this event.  The race was once again sponsored by the "The Big Island's"  Kai'opua Canoe Club. Teams from around the world arrived in Kailua - Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii to compete and participate in the festivities.   Our club participated in the 18 mile race with two women and one men's team.  The 18-mile long Ironman race took place on Saturday September 2, 2006 and was followed by a 6-mile tandem outrigger canoe race on Sunday September 3, 2006.  An award Ceremony, Luau, and torchlight parade of paddlers followed the canoe races. Our Kona pictures page tell the story of the event.  Please enjoy them an share them with your friends and Ohana.

Newsletter - download the inaugural issue of our club "Newsletter"

Ikuna Koa is proud to present our first ever club newsletter.  We think you will find this newsletter very informative with regards to some past and current events surrounding the club.  So without further ado, download your copy today and share its aloha spirit with friends and family.



High Tech High School Hoe (Paddle)

On March 14, 2008 twelve Student's who are studying ancient Polynesian culture at Point Loma's High Tech High School, got some hands on experience with the culture to augment their classroom studies.  We covered the Hawaiian names for various parts of the Hawaiian Canoe and paddle.  We also explained some Hawaiian history and various cultural aspects of the Hawaiian outrigger canoe.  We then gave a quick course in the basic paddle stroke, canoe safety, and the Hawaiian commands used in the canoe. Afterward, we went for a paddle that the students really enjoyed.  If you'd like more information about this event or you would like us to consider hosting a similar event for your organization,
please email info@ikunakoa.com.


Disabled Vet Paddler Program


Hawaiian Adaptive Outrigger Canoe Program - The Mission Bay outrigger clubs and the San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation have joined together to start the first ever Southern California Adaptive Paddler Program for disabled military returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, disabled Veterans and disabled members of the community. With guidance from the Wounded Warriors Program and DS/USA from New York, as well as the support of Balboa Naval Medical Center, the program was launched on Feb 9, 2007, with 10 Marines who recently returned from the war. As you can see from the picture, they were "into it" from the start. If you'd like more information, or to be a sponsor of this terrific program,
please email info@ikunakoa.com.


SD Blind Ski Program


The SD Blind Ski Program takes sight impaired kids and adults out on the bay for water skiing, or boat rides. There are several of these every summer, and the paddlers help by pitching in to cook and serve them in a luncheon feast after a morning on the water. 2007 dates will be available soon.

Spina Bifida Annual Picnic

The annual picnic for the Spina Bifida Association of Greater San Diego was held on Sunday July 23, 2006.  Once again, this proved to be a very rewarding experiance for those paddlers in the club who volunteered to help with the event.  Kids with Spina Bfida and their families where welcome guests in our outrigger canoes. The smiles where contagious and the joy was endless. 



Outrigger Classes open to the public:

When: Please call for date of our next scheduled class
Where: Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club
Time: 9am and 11am

Whether you're looking for a new fitness routine...more play time on our ocean...or new friends and acquaintances...join us at the Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club to learn more about the island-rich traditions of outrigger canoe paddling!

  • No Experience necessary - We offer experience, step-by-step training and coaching so that you're having fun on the water immediately.
     
  • Fast fitness, endurance and strength building - Paddling will help you get out of a rut or help you cross-train for other sports.
  • Weekly practices - We offer practices three-days a week with active Ikuna Koa paddlers.
     
  • Saturday races and fun in the sun - Race season begins in May and involves nearly 1,000 paddlers along the entire Southern California coast!
     
  • Regular Club social activities - Ikuna Koa has regular club get-togethers and social activities throughout the year.
     
  • Hawaii trip - Optional travel to the worlds largest outrigger canoe race in Kona, Hawaii.

Come join us on the water!
Directions to the Mission Bay Boat & Ski Club will be emailed to you with your reservation confirmation.  Reservations are required to don't delay, please register for this fun and exciting class by emailing:
info@ikunakoa.com

 
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